Recorded Webinars

Recorded on November 20, this MVLS Human Trafficking Prevention Project training features attorney and survivor advocate Carissa Phelps. The session explains the federal Remission Program for survivors trafficked through Backpage (2004–2018) and CityXGuide (2018–2020), including how to file a claim, required documentation, and available support—such as pro bono assistance through NCMEC.

This training is a part of MCASA's September 2025 Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Fundamentals Training Series. This training was presented live on September 10, 2025. The trainer was MCASA's Human Trafficking Legal Specialist. ASL interpreters interpreted this training.

Too often overlooked and under-identified, male survivors of sex trafficking remain hidden in plain sight—misunderstood by systems, excluded from services, and silenced by stigma. In this presentation, survivor, advocate, and Creative Director at MenHealing, Jordan Masciangelo, blends personal narrative with professional expertise to challenge the myths that keep male victimization invisible. He examines the unique ways boys and men experience, navigate, and recover from sexual exploitation, offering a necessary look into their lived realities and the systemic failures that perpetuate their invisibility. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of male survivor experiences, practical strategies for identifying and supporting survivors, and a renewed commitment to survivor-centered, gender-inclusive care.

Too often overlooked and under-identified, male survivors of sex trafficking remain hidden in plain sight—misunderstood by systems, excluded from services, and silenced by stigma. In this presentation, survivor, advocate, and Creative Director at MenHealing, Jordan Masciangelo, blends personal narrative with professional expertise to challenge the myths that keep male victimization invisible. He examines the unique ways boys and men experience, navigate, and recover from sexual exploitation, offering a necessary look into their lived realities and the systemic failures that perpetuate their invisibility. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of male survivor experiences, practical strategies for identifying and supporting survivors, and a renewed commitment to survivor-centered, gender-inclusive care.

This training was presented live on September 09, 2025. This training was hosted by the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault and featured expert trainer, Landon Dickeson, MS, LPC, the Chief Operating Manager at Bob’s House of Hope. ASL interpreters interpreted this training. Bob’s House of Hope is first safe house in the country for male survivors of sex trafficking. It is the only residential facility to include Ranch Hands Rescue's innovative Equine and Animal Assisted Counseling intervention. They operate a comprehensive residential program and safe house for young adult male-identifying survivors of sex trafficking and work to prevent sex trafficking of males.

Recorded on January 13, 2026. During this session, participants will get an inside look at how local anti-human trafficking task forces operate and why they are a critical part of a community’s response to trafficking. This session will highlight concrete ways the public can engage with and support task force efforts, whether through prevention, awareness, training, or community partnerships. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how local task forces function, why multidisciplinary collaboration matters, and how community involvement strengthens the response to human trafficking. Panelists from Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force will walk attendees through what a task force is, why it was created, and how it brings together law enforcement, service providers, advocates, and community partners to address trafficking at the local level. Participants will learn about the goals and priorities of Prince George’s County Task Force, the challenges it has faced, and the successes it has achieved. The panel will also explore how local data and lived experience shape the task force’s work, how partners collaborate across systems, and what the task force has learned about trafficking trends and needs within the county.

This training is a part of MCASA & Prince George's County Office of Human Rights' free 4-part Lunch & Learn Training Series on Human Trafficking Awareness & Response. This was the second session in this series. It was presented live on January 27, 2026, and featured a panel discussion which was facilitated by MCASA's Human Trafficking Legal Specialist. Session 2 Description: During this session, participants will learn….

• What the Regional Navigator Program is and how it strengthens Maryland’s trafficking response

• How Regional Navigators support survivors through victim-centered and trauma-informed advocacy

• How Regional Navigators coordinate with partners, including rape crisis centers, domestic violence programs, law enforcement, healthcare, legal services, and community providers.

*** Panelists:

• Danielle Thomas, Victim Services Coordinator, Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy,

• Erica Fielder, Human Trafficking Regional Navigator for Cecil County, Cecil County Child Advocacy Center,

• Susan Ahlstrom, Regional Navigator for the Mid-Shore, For All Seasons,

• Jasmine Mayo, Regional Navigator Supervisor for Anne Arundel County, Everstand, and

• Jennifer Collins, Director of Community Based Services, Heartly House, Inc.

This training is a part of MCASA & Prince George's County Office of Human Rights' free 4-part Lunch & Learn Training Series on Human Trafficking Awareness & Response. This was the third session in this series. It was presented live on February 10, 2026, and featured a panel discussion which was facilitated by MCASA's Human Trafficking Legal Specialist. this session, participants will learn what a multidisciplinary response team is and why coordinated, cross-system collaboration is critical to effectively addressing human trafficking. Panelists will share how Frederick County’s team was developed, who is involved (including victim services, law enforcement, healthcare, legal services, and community partners), and how the team works together to identify trafficking, respond to cases, and support survivors. This session will also highlight how Frederick County’s model operates as a rapid crisis response team, rather than a traditional “task force”—focusing on immediate, coordinated intervention and survivor-centered support at the point of identification, instead of primarily systems-level or policy work. Panelists will discuss common challenges teams face, such as information-sharing barriers, housing instability, safety concerns, and resource gaps, along with strategies for building strong partnerships and sustainable response structures. Participants will leave with practical insight into how multidisciplinary response teams function and how collaborative approaches improve outcomes for survivors in their communities. Panelists:

• Lindsey Carpenter, Chief Assistant State’s Attorney for Special Victims Unit in Frederick County

• Jennifer Collins, Director of Community Based Services, Heartly House, Inc.

This training is a part of MCASA & Prince George's County Office of Human Rights' free 4-part Lunch & Learn Training Series on Human Trafficking Awareness & Response. This was the final session in this series. It was presented live on February 24, 2026, and featured a panel discussion which was facilitated by MCASA's Human Trafficking Legal Specialist. Session 4 Description: During this session, participants will learn about peer support and mental health services for survivors of human sex trafficking in Maryland, and why trauma-responsive, survivor-centered care is essential to long-term healing and stability. Panelists will share how these services support survivors in addressing complex trauma, rebuilding trust, and navigating recovery after exploitation. Speakers will discuss the unique role of lived-experience peer support, the importance of culturally responsive and non-pathologizing mental health care, and how providers collaborate with victim advocates, healthcare systems, and community partners to meet survivors’ needs. The session will also explore common challenges such as access barriers, service gaps, stigma, and workforce sustainability, along with promising practices for creating accessible, ethical, and empowering support options. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how peer support and mental health services function within a broader response to human trafficking and how these approaches strengthen survivor outcomes. Panelists:

• Dr. Darryl Arrington, PhD LCPC LOC NCC BC-TMH, Licensed Clinical Professional, Author, Communicator, and Founder of Sophworks Recovery Group

• Liz Kimbel, Survivor Initiatives Manager at TurnAround, Inc. and Creator of the Luna Project

• Tina Frundt, Executive Director/Founder Courtney’s House

• Chelsea Haverly, LCSW-C, Victim Assistant Specialist III, is the co-founder of Anchored Hope Therapy, LLC in Annapolis, MD and the Creative Director of Hope Ignited Training

In this training, MVLS and the Human Trafficking Prevention Project explore how reductions to programs like SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and housing assistance increase vulnerability to exploitation. Learn the data behind safety net programs, how policy changes impact vulnerable communities, and hear insights from expert panelists working on the front lines. Watch to better understand how increasing access to essential resources helps prevent trafficking and support long-term stability.

​January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In this short conversation, Heather explains how Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) supports survivors of human trafficking through holistic, trauma-informed legal services. MVLS’ Human Trafficking Prevention Project, in partnership with University of Baltimore School of Law, helps survivors clear criminal records tied to their exploitation and address legal issues like identity theft, unsafe housing, debt, and family stability. Learn how legal advocacy plays a critical role in prevention, recovery, and long-term stability.

In this conversation, Jenn from Heartly House engages with Lindsey Carpenter, Chief Assistant State's Attorney, and Jennifer, Director of Community-Based Services at Heartly House, to discuss the critical issue of human trafficking. They explore the definition of human trafficking, its prevalence in Frederick County, and the importance of community awareness and prevention. The discussion highlights the role of the Regional Navigator Program and the Human Trafficking Response Team, emphasizing the need for collaboration among community partners to support survivors and prevent trafficking. The upcoming Human Trafficking Summit (January 2026) is also discussed, focusing on education and awareness for professionals who may encounter victims and survivors. The conversation concludes with a call to action for the community to recognize and report trafficking.